Society
Of The Divine Word

The day began with the celebration of the Eucharist at 8:00 a.m., drawing a large and diverse congregation. Following Mass, the entire parish community—youth, adults, and elders—gathered for a unique learning experience aimed at presenting the entire biblical narrative in just a few hours.

Using a visually engaging and participatory approach, the facilitators guided participants through the sweeping story of salvation history—from creation to redemption. Graphic illustrations and dynamic visuals helped simplify complex theological themes and historical contexts, making the Bible more approachable and relevant for all participants.

“This was the first time many of our parishioners experienced the Bible presented as one continuous story,” said Fr. John. “We wanted them to see the connections between the books of the Bible, to understand the unfolding of God’s plan, and to discover how it speaks to their lives today.”

The workshop maintained strong engagement throughout the afternoon, with many participants expressing gratitude for the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Scripture in such an accessible and creative way.

This initiative is part of a wider program developed by the Mater Dei Pastoral Centre in 2022 to promote biblical literacy across the Diocese of Polokwane and surrounding dioceses. Since its launch, the program has gained increasing popularity, with parishes regularly inviting the team to conduct similar workshops.

As the Society of the Divine Word continues its mission of evangelization and faith formation, programs like this Bible workshop are proving to be vital tools in helping lay communities grow in their knowledge and love of the Word of God.